8 Exotic Fruits that Grow on Cactus

Ralph Astley is a retired gardener from Philadelphia who specializes in outdoor plants and trees. With years of hands-on experience, Ralph not only cares for a diverse range of outdoor flora but also shares his extensive knowledge through well-written articles and social media posts. A trusted authority in arboriculture, he's committed to helping the community grow healthier, more robust gardens.
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Do you know there are Fruits That Grow on Cactus? And they are super easy to grow and you can plant them in pots and enjoy them at home.

Here’s an exclusive list of Fruits That Grow on Cactus, you must grow in your garden to enjoy some unique and delicious edibles!

Find out some Unique and Rare Cacti here


Fruits That Grow on Cactus

1. Dragon Fruit Cactus

Fruits That Grow on Cactus
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Botanical Name: Selenicereus undatus

USDA Zones: 10-11

Popular by the name Pitaya or Strawberry Pear, the fruit is oval with a pink or yellow scaly skin. The white pulp with tiny black seeds has a mild sweet flavor similar to ripe kiwi.

Learn about Growing Dragon Fruit here

2. Saguaro Cactus

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Botanical Name: Carnegiea gigantea

USDA Zones: 8-11

The Saguaro cactus produces oval green fruits that ripen into rich red color and split open to show red pulp with several tiny black seeds. The sweet pulp is rich in protein and serves a variety of jams, jellies, sauces, and drinks.

Find out some Interesting Facts about Saguaro Cactus here

3. Barrel Cactus

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Botanical Name: Echinocactus grusonii

USDA Zones: 9-11

The Barrel Cactus fruits look like pineapples and are yellow in color. The yellow flesh has a sour, lemony flavor, while the black seeds are nutty in taste. You can enjoy it both raw and cooked.

Look at the Best Flowering Cacti here

4. Peruvian Apple Cactus

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Botanical Name: Cereus repandus

USDA Zones: 9-12

The fruit looks similar to dragon fruits with pink skin, white flesh, and black seeds. The sweet taste of the fruits makes them a tasty addition to desserts, salads, and juices.

5. Cholla Cactus

Fruits That Grow on Cactus 4
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Botanical Name: Cylindropuntia

USDA Zones: 8-11

Cholla cactus fruits grow in clusters and are spineless, while the plant is covered with a blanket of barbed spikes, making it tough to harvest. The fruits have a nutty blend of asparagus, artichoke heart, and green bean flavors.

6. Barbary Fig

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Botanical Name: Opuntia ficus-indica

USDA Zones: 4-9

The pear-shaped fruits are greenish orange in color and disperse a sweet, melon-like flavor. The fruit is used in abundance to make syrups, jams, and jellies worldwide.

7. Organ Pipe Cactus

Fruits That Grow on Cactus 10
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Botanical Name: Stenocereus thurberi

USDA Zones: 9-11

Organ Pipe cactus features round fruits smeared in a dusty red hue, yellow and green splotches, and protruding spine patches. The brownish-red flesh has a sweet-tart flavor and can be fermented into jellies and beverages.

Check out some Large Cacti Varieties here

8. Prickly Pear

 

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Botanical Name: Opuntia basilaris

USDA Zones: 9-11

Prickly Pear produces edible fruits that vary from green to red with an orangish tint, covered with hair-like splinters. The sweet fruit is extensively used for medicinal purposes and is extracted to make jellies, juices, and jams.

Learn about Growing Prickly Pear Cactus here

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